The New York Yankees on Wednesday signed manager Joe Girardi to a new four-year deal. A new contract for Robinson Cano, meanwhile, appears far off. On Tuesday, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner admitted the slugger isn't a "must-to-sign" player.
New York announced Girardi's new deal on Wednesday via Twitter. The new contract is worth $16 million plus incentives, according to CBS Sports.
In six seasons, Girardi won the World Series in 2009 and led the team to three AL East titles. The 48-year-old has a 564-408 record with the Yankees, according to Yahoo! Sports. Girardi, however, is coming off his worst season with New York.
While the Yankees were able to agree on a contract with Girardi, an agreement might not be reachable with Cano. Both sides appear far apart, with Cano reportedly seeking a 10-year deal worth close to $300 million.
Steinbrenner admitted on ESPN radio the team wasn't considering a contract of that magnitude.
"I don't feel the organization is ready to do something like that," said Steinbrenner. "... I know ($300 million) is a number that is out there now. We'll see if he gets it, how much he wants to be in New York.
"But, again, I can promise it is going to be a very, very solid offer that we do make because we are going to try. We are going to try. We are going to try the best we can to keep him."
Although Steinbrenner called Cano a "marquee player," the owner didn't rule out the possibility of Cano playing for another team next season.
"I'm optimistic and I know that we are going to make him a very, very good offer," said Steinbrenner. "Is anybody an absolutely must-to-sign? No. It is nothing against Robby. That is just not reasonable to assume that about anybody. We are going to do what we can. We've certainly conveyed to Robby we want him back and we want him to be a career Yankee. We'll just have to see what transpires here."
The outcome of Alex Rodriguez's arbritration would likely play a big role in just how much the Yankees offer Cano. If Rodriguez's suspension is upheld, the Yankees would have an additional $25 million available on next year's payroll.
